Steel Panther revives the magic of the 80s with a hot glam metal show in São Paulo

Text by Marcelo Gomes

As soon as I entered Audio Club, it felt like I'd stepped into a time tunnel and been transported straight back to the 1980s. The audience for the Steel Panther was wearing leopard-print pants, lots of lace, vests with patches, hair full of hairspray, bandanas—in short, everything that evoked the era.

The night promised much, and the band did not disappoint. As soon as Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Spyder (bass), and Styx Zadinia (drums) took the stage to the sound of “Eyes Of A Panther,” the party began. Full of extravagance and irreverence, they left the audience in ecstasy with a breathtaking performance. They had the crowd on their feet with “Let Me Cum In” and, at the end of the song, tested the vocal abilities of the fans, who put on a show. The night was only just beginning.

Before “Asian Hooker,” guitarist Satchel welcomed the crowd, saying they were finally in Brazil – and in their favorite city in the world. In Portuguese, he said he loves big breasts, and the band even sang a song chanting “breasts, breasts, breasts,” until two girls took off their shirts and the audience went wild. The guys were excited, and the fun seemed endless. Satchel announced a legend who influenced many generations, vocalist Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, who “couldn’t be there.” If you think it stopped there, you’re sorely mistaken.

Next, Starr said that Styx would be channeling Rick Allen , the drummer from Def Leppard . At that moment, Styx put his left arm inside his shirt and played a snippet of "Photograph." The spirit of fifth grade seemed endless.

Returning to the music, they found a representative from the Asian community to dance on stage during the performance. It's impressive how the guys manage to transition from jokes to music without letting the show lose momentum. The audience got into the spirit, and in the meantime, someone threw a pair of panties at them: just what they needed to start talking more nonsense.

In “Burden Of Being Wonderful,” the show took a more sentimental turn, showcasing the band's ability to create captivating ballads. The powerful riff of “Friends With Benefits” brought back the quartet's more metal side. The band then left the stage, giving Satchel space to show his virtuoso side in a solo that thrilled the crowd. Soon it was time for “Death To All But Metal,” proving that Steel Panther also knows how to make a heavier and more direct sound. It's no wonder that the track became one of their classics and was one of the most anticipated of the night.

From their most recent work, the 2023 On A Prowl Guns N' Roses, Whitesnake, Dokken, Ozzy Osbourne , and other big names that influenced many who came after. Michael finished emotionally, saying that he misses Eddie Van Halen . Indeed, we all do.

They took the opportunity to present another new song, this time the ballad "Ain't Dead Yet". To make it even more special, Starr played guitar and the drummer played keyboards. Of course, all of this was cause for more jokes and jigsaw puzzles, until the music actually started playing under the lights of cell phones. The acoustic set continued with another guest on stage. All the members satirized her, in true Steel Panther style, before playing "Girl From Oklahoma" accompanied by clapping and sung by everyone.

But the chilly São Paulo night really heated up when the stage was taken over by several women dancing and flirting with the band members to the sound of "Community Property." It was no different with "Party All Day," which closed this part of the show in the best style and excess of the 80s.

Amidst thunderous applause, the band returned for an encore with "Gloryhole," which was supposed to be the last song of the night, but they decided to play one more. The chosen track was "Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World," to close the party with a bang and consecrate the style in an epic way.

In short, the show was a trip back in time to the golden years of glam metal. The music, stage presence, and interaction with the audience were excellent, leaving no doubt that Steel Panther reigns supreme in the genre today. If you're a fan of the style and enjoy a good dose of humor, a Steel Panther show is a must-see. Be prepared to party as if you were back in the 1980s, because these guys know how to put on a show with quirky humor, capturing the spirit of the era.

Our contributor Jéssica Marinho was also there and covered the event. Check out the exclusive photos below.

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